...Seeks Justice For Incarcerated Community Member
The Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) of Kogi East, a Socio- cultural and political body,, in North Central Nigeria, has re-assured the Igala people at home and in the diaspora that it remains firmly committed to pursuing lawful, peaceful and constitutional means of seeking justice for One Mallam Abdulwahab Tijani, popularly known as Tony-Tony.
The victim was brutally arrested and incarcerated by the authorities, while protecting the legitimate interests and well-being of the people and communities.
A statement by the national Leader of the organisation, Maj Gen James Ataguba refers
to reports concerning the alleged physical assault and continued detention at the Koton-Karfi Correctional Facility, saying the Organization has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an urgent, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the brutal arrest, alleged assault and continuous detention without trial.
“We are particularly concerned by reports of injuries that Mr Tony-Tony sustained on his head and in the face in the course of his brutal arrest allegedly by some local vigilante operatives on the orders of the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Council. We therefore call on the relevant authorities to urgently establish his current physical condition and whereabouts, guarantee his safety, ensure that he receives appropriate medical attention if necessary, and take appropriate action against any person (s) that is connected with the unlawful brutal manner of his arrest while following due process of investigation, if he is presumed to have violated any law.
“We will like to report that the UIO Worldwide has also engaged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over concerns of our people on the impact of mining activities in Kogi East.
” We seek a constructive stakeholders’ dialogue involving government authorities, mining operators, host communities and other relevant stakeholders on critical issues related to ongoing mining activities in Kogi East; including public health and safety, environmental protection, destruction of critical infrastructure such as roads, community development and need for responsible mining practices.
Our position on coal mining in Kogi East is clear: mineral exploitation and development must be a WIN-WIN endeavour for all.
“Accordingly, it is expected that the natural resources beneath the soils of our communities should contribute to national development while also delivering tangible benefits to the people and communities that host exploitation activities.
“Host communities must not be left with unsafe mining sites, damaged roads, environmental degradation or diminished livelihoods. We therefore call for stronger and stricter enforcement of environmental, safety and community-development standards as well as meaningful engagement with affected communities.
The organisation called on relevant authorities to
protect the people, enforce the law. uphold due process investigate allegations transparently. and ensure that justice prevails.
” To the Igala people both in Nigeria and all over the world, we appeal for calm, cooperation with the authorities, unity and hope while UIO pursues the matter lawfully.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we will like to reiterate that UIO Worldwide will continue to pursue the matters connected to undesirable consequences of coal mining in Kogi East through lawful, constitutional and peaceful channels. We believe that justice is strongest when pursued with courage, restraint and respect for the rule of law. We remain committed to the protection of our communities, the responsible exploitation and development of our natural resources and the advancement of the Igala race and land.
“WE STAND FOR JUSTICE, PEACE, UNITY & PROGRESS, the statement ends.
